On 4 January 2025, students from the IMU School of Pharmacy visited Rumah Charis Old Folks Home in Kuala Lumpur as part of a meaningful community engagement initiative. The event, orchestrated by the students under the supervision of Dr Liew Yun Khoon (Dr Louis), the Project Advisor, highlighted his dedication to promoting health awareness and fostering meaningful connections with the elderly residents.
Health Screening
The day began with a health screening session, during which students performed small body check-ups, measuring blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
The students were supported by two medical staff, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the screenings. This initiative emphasised the importance of routine health monitoring, empowering the elderly residents with valuable insights into their health status.
Talk on Supplement
Following the screening, the students delivered a supplement talk on cod liver oil.
During the supplement talk, the students provided valuable information about the benefits of cod liver oil, including its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D, which support joint health, cognitive function, and overall immunity. The session also covered proper dosage, usage, and potential side effects, empowering the residents to make informed decisions about their health.
The content of those healthcare talks has been reviewed by a pharmacist, Tan Win Win.
Interactive Sessions
Pill Sorting Relay
The first interactive session, the Pill Sorting Relay, added a fun and educational twist to the day. The elderly residents were divided into five teams, each consisting of three members, and provided with pill organizers and mock prescription cards. The challenge was to sort the medications into morning, afternoon, and evening compartments accurately and quickly. This engaging activity not only fostered teamwork and collaboration but also educated the participants on the importance of proper medication management in a hands-on and enjoyable way.
Draw and Guess &
Picture Memories
The second interactive session focused on dementia prevention through two innovative and stimulating games. In “Draw and Guess”, participants worked in groups of five, with one member acting as the “Artist” to sketch words such as “elephant” or “apple” while their teammates guessed the answers. This activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking. Meanwhile, “Picture Memories” challenged participants to observe an image for 60 seconds and recall its details, such as colors, objects, and background, in a series of questions. Both games were designed to sharpen cognitive skills, enhance memory, and emphasize the importance of mental exercises in reducing the risk of dementia.
The event at Rumah Charis Old Folks Home demonstrated the IMU School of Pharmacy students’ ability to combine health education with acts of kindness and interactive learning. Their thoughtful gestures, from providing breakfast and health supplements to organising engaging activities, showcased their dedication to enhancing the well-being of the elderly residents.
This visit reflects the IMU School of Pharmacy’s commitment to community engagement and holistic healthcare. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of student-led initiatives, where academic knowledge is seamlessly integrated with compassion and creativity to make a lasting impact. By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the residents, the students exemplified the principles of empathy, social responsibility, and collaboration.
A Meaningful Endeavour
In closing, the visit to Rumah Charis Old Folks Home stands as a testament to the IMU School of Pharmacy’s unwavering commitment to community engagement and holistic healthcare. Under the guidance of Dr Louis, Dr Phyu Synn Oo, Dr Hlaing Thaw Dar and Tan Win Win (a pharmacist, who is currently studying for MSc in Molecular Medicine), the students showcased their dedication to addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the elderly.
From health screenings and educational talks to engaging games and heartfelt acts like providing breakfast, the students and lecturers demonstrated compassion, creativity, and social responsibility. The gratitude expressed by the main caregiver and the reflections shared by students encapsulated the profound impact of this initiative.
This visit exemplified the transformative potential of student-led initiatives, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration. By blending academic knowledge with acts of kindness, the IMU School of Pharmacy students left a lasting impact on the community, reminding us of the power of care and connection in making a meaningful difference.
Written by Tan Yan Fei (BP123)
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